Nikon has just announced a new lens in their lineup, the 70-200mm f4. I’ve been waiting for this lens for many years and am excited to add it to my stable of glass. It is the perfect pro-caliber lens for lightweight travel in the back country. Some of the attributes I like are:

1. Constant f4 aperture through zoom range.

2. Ability to work with all three current Nikon teleconverters (1.4x, 1.7x, 2.0x) and autofocus on the D800 and D4.

3. Small size and optional tripod collar.

4. Improved VR up to 5-stops. This will be great when I’m adventuring without a tripod.

5. Much lower cost versus the 70-200mm f2.8. The 70-200mm f4 is going to start retailing at around $1,400 versus the 70-200mm f2.8 at $2,400.

Nikon’s Press Release:

The lens extends Nikon’s range of high-performance f/4 NIKKOR lenses, and it is the first NIKKOR to be equipped with Nikon’s next-generation Vibration Reduction system that allows for up to 5-stop compensation.

Well-suited to events, travel, wildlife, and even sports, the strong combination of extended vibration reduction capability and high-grade Nikon optics make this lens a smart choice for enthusiast photographers and pros alike.

Hiro Sebata, Product Manager for professional products at Nikon UK says: “This new NIKKOR f/4 lens offers high quality performance and flexibility, ideal for enthusiast and professional photographers looking for a versatile, portable tele-photo lens, with the added benefit of the enhanced Vibration Reduction system.”

One stop further
The next-generation Vibration Reduction system incorporated in this lens allows for up to 5-stop compensation, enabling photographers to shoot at shutter speeds five stops slower than would otherwise be possible. A significant upgrade, the increased stability greatly minimises the effects of camera shake and extends opportunities for low-light shooting.

Three modes are available: Normal for everyday shooting, Active to minimise the high-frequency camera shake experienced when shooting from a moving vehicle and Tripod Detection mode. Both Normal and Active modes offer a stable viewfinder image, which ultimately makes focus-point acquisition and framing far more comfortable and precise. Tripod Detection mode reduces vibration due to shutter release when the camera is mounted on a tripod.

No compromises
Despite its lightweight build, this lens doesn’t cut any corners when it comes to performance. Crafted to deliver outstanding resolution and contrast in diverse conditions, the optical construction boasts 20 elements in 14 groups, and Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat is employed to combat flare and ghosting.

Well-balanced
Well-balanced in terms of size, weight, price, and image quality, this lens also has a dedicated tripod collar ring, the RT-1. This optional accessory helps to improve tripod balance and allows quick, smooth transition between vertical and horizontal orientation when shooting in either portrait or landscape format.

This lens comes with a lens cap (LC-67), a lens hood (HB-60), and a lens case (CL-1225) included.